Advancing Food Equity in South Hayward

Community-Led solutions that nourish health and build local wealth

The Challenge 

South Hayward is a food desert. Many residents live more than a mile from a full-service grocery store, public transit is limited, and corner markets have limited fresh produce.  As a result, families face: 

  • Limited access to affordable organic foods 

  • Higher rates of diet-related diseases such as diabetes and hypertension 

  • Rising food insecurity — 1  in  4 households is worried about their next meal* 

*Alameda County Community Food Bank, 2025

Our Community-Led Solution

We started by listening. After talking with over 1,300 South Hayward residents about what’s working, what’s missing, and what’s possible—we’re building real solutions together. 

We’re making sure people have access to food now like hot meals prepared by our partners at 5 Sikh Seva every week, while also working to transform the local food system itself. We're organizing for a system rooted in equity, shaped by community members, and connected to local, sustainable, and regenerative farms. 

This is about creating a future where everyone has access to healthy food and where local growers, food makers, and entrepreneurs can thrive. 

Some of the community-led projects coming to life right now include: 

Monthly South Hayward Market

We teamed up with residents, the City of Hayward, Feed Hayward, and Agricultural Institute of Marine (AIM) to launch the first-ever South Hayward Market. It brings in over 30 local vendors, farmers, food makers, and artists so every dollar spent supports the community and builds local wealth. 

Weekly Food Distribution  

Every week, our community center parking lot becomes a hub for hot meals, thanks to our partners at 5 Sikh Seva. We serve 300+ people each week and are growing. 

Community Fridge Project

We save good food from going to waste and keep our community fridge stocked so folks can grab what they need, when they need it. 

Community-Led Food Hub (In Progress)

In partnership with Feed Hayward, we’re building the infrastructure to connect local BIPOC farmers and food producers with buyers in Hayward—like schools, hospitals, nonprofit organizations, and senior centers. This way, our institutions can buy fresh, local and sustainable food and directly support small businesses that reflect and serve our community.

Contact us

Jose Carlos Montesinos
Public Relations Manager

Bernadette Manzano
Events Manager

Address
680 W Tennyson Rd
Hayward, CA 94541

Phone
(510) 887-1146